Supermodeled sabercat: predatory behavior in Smilodon fatalis revealed by 3D simulation

This study built a high-resolution finite-element model of the skull of the sabertoothed cat Smilodon fatalis and compared its mechanical behaviour with that of a modern lion. The simulations indicated that the Smilodon skull was relatively weak when loaded by jaw muscles alone, implying a much lower bite force than a lion of comparable size, but was well able to withstand loads applied by the powerful neck. This supported the long-standing canine-shear or neck-driven killing hypothesis, in which Smilodon used massive forelimbs to immobilise prey and drove its long canines into the throat with neck and body, rather than relying on a crushing bite like living big cats. The work showcased how computational mechanics can test behaviour in extinct predators and sharpened the contrast between sabertooth and modern felid killing strategies.